Tag: lighthouse

codepeople-post-map require JavaScript
Los Canos de Meca is a quiet little seaside village located between Barbate and Conil de la Frontera. Sandwiched between Atlantic and large pine forests and cliffs, the village seems a little secluded from the outside world. The name of the village – caños – comes from the fresh water springs that emerge from the nearby cliffs. Los Canos de Meca is also quite popular among nudists.

Western side of Los Canos

Once you are in Los Canos de Meca, you will quickly notice a tall white lighthouse that overlooks beaches in the western part of the village. It’s the landmark of the famous Cape Trafalgar, where the Battle of Trafalgar was fought in 1805. In the sea battle that lasted less than three hours, outnumbered and outgunned, Admiral Nelson defeated the combined forces of the French and Spanish Navies. Because of the defeat, Napoleon abandoned his plans to invade Great Britain which soon became the world’s dominant colonial power.

Another reason to visit Cape Trafalgar are some nice seashore rock formations on Playa del Faro de Trafalgar, popular among nudists. Cape Trafalgar provides a great view of the Zahora beach to the west .Zahora beach is a beautiful tranquil and wide beach with golden sand, shallow water, perfect for families and most importantly never overcrowded. The main beach in the western side of Los Canos is the long east-facing Marisucia beach, located along the way to the lighthouse. It is popular among both families and young people, however tends to get a bit dirty after seaweeds are washed onshore by strong Levante.

Eastern side of Los Canos

The eastern part of Los Canos boasts a small cosy beach closer to the centre and a wider beach backed by cliffs on the outskirts of the village. From here you can also go for a hiking route that leads up through the pine forest to the old watch tower Torre del Tajo nestled on a 100 metre tall cliff. Once you reach the top you will be rewarded with magnificent views of the sunny coast and sensational cliffs. From the top you can also hike down to Barbate.